Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa, CA 🇨🇦 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
CYOW
IATA
YOW
Elevation
374 ft
Region
CA-ON
Local Time
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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: CYOW
Local Code: YOW
Location: 45.322498° N, -75.669197° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Uplands UUP CUUP
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) generally receives positive traveler sentiment, with many appreciating its efficiency and modern, clean environment. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger volume and air service recently, with plans for continued enhancements to facilities and connectivity.
What Travelers Love
- Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: Travelers consistently praise the airport for being extremely clean and well-maintained, featuring modern architecture and an inviting atmosphere.
- Efficient Processes: Passengers often report quick check-in, security, and immigration/customs experiences, especially when returning to Canada. This contributes to an overall smooth and pleasant travel experience.
- Growing Air Service and Connectivity: YOW is expanding its direct flight options, with increased capacity from airlines like Porter Airlines (now a major hub) and the reinstatement/upgrade of international routes such as Air France to Paris and Air Canada to London Heathrow.
- Good Transportation Links: The airport is well-connected to the city via OC Transpo buses and the LRT (light rail transit), with the Airport Station now integrated. On-site and off-site parking options with efficient shuttle services (e.g., Park'N Fly, Routes Airport Parking) are also well-regarded.
Common Complaints
- Limited Amenities in US Departures: A frequent point of dissatisfaction is the lack of an airport lounge and limited dining options in the US departures area, though a new restaurant is under construction and expected to open in early 2025.
- Security Screening Officer Conduct: Some travelers have reported instances of unprofessional, rude, or invasive behavior from security screening officers during body and bag searches.
- Subpar Pet Relief Areas: There are mentions that pet relief areas could be significantly improved with better amenities.
Overall, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is often seen as a convenient and efficient airport, particularly for domestic and transborder travel, with ongoing developments aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. While improvements are desired in specific areas like US departures amenities and consistency in security interactions, its ease of use and cleanliness are strong advantages.
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Airport Routes
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) offers 80 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Porter Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet and others. Popular destinations from Ottawa include Toronto Pearson Int'l, Newark Liberty Intl, Edmonton Int'l, Calgary Int'l and Teterboro.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Toronto Pearson Int'l (YYZ) 5
- Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) 3
- Edmonton Int'l (YEG) 3
- Calgary Int'l (YYC) 3
- Teterboro (TEB) 3
- Halifax Int'l (YHZ) 3
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) 3
- Toronto City Centre (YTZ) 3
- Vancouver Int'l (YVR) 3
- Winnipeg Int'l (YWG) 3
- Thunder Bay Int'l (Thunder Bay) (YQT) 2
- Montreal Metropolitain (YHU) 2
Newly Discovered
- Toronto Pearson Int'l (YYZ) new
- Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) new
- Lynden Pindling Int'l (Nassau) (NAS) new
- Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL) new
- Punta Cana Int'l (PUJ) new
- Calgary Int'l (YYC) new
- Cancun Int'l (CUN) new
- Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) new
- Frederick W Smith Intl (MEM) new
- Toronto City Centre (YTZ) new
- Halifax Int'l (YHZ) new
- Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Porter Airlines
POE
/ PD
|
19 | 151 | 19 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Air Canada
ACA
/ AC
|
7 | 66 | 7 | Jan 30, 2026 |
WestJet
WJA
/ WS
|
7 | 58 | 7 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Jazz
JZA
/ QK
|
7 | 44 | 7 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
3 | 24 | 3 | Jan 14, 2026 |
GoJet
GJS
/ G7
|
3 | 17 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
PAL Airlines
PVL
/ PB
|
3 | 16 | 3 | Jan 14, 2026 |
|
Chartright Air
HRT
|
5 | 8 | 5 | Dec 31, 2025 |
|
Canadian North
AKT
/ 5T
|
1 | 8 | 1 | Sep 5, 2025 |
|
Cargojet
CJT
/ W8
|
2 | 6 | 2 | Jan 2, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
04/22 |
3300 ft | 75 ft | ASP | Active |
07/25 |
8000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
14/32 |
10000 ft | 200 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| ARR | Ottawa Arrivals | 135.15 MHz |
| ATIS | English ATIS | 121.15 MHz |
| ATIS | French ATIS | 132.95 MHz |
| CLNC DEL | Ottawa Clearance | 119.4 MHz |
| DEP | Ottawa Departures | 128.175 MHz |
| GND | Ottawa Ground | 121.9 MHz |
| RCO | Quebec Radio | 123.15 MHz |
| TML | Ottawa Terminal | 127.7 MHz |
| TWR | Ottawa Tower | 118.8 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Airport-licensed taxis are available 24/7 on Level 1 (Arrivals) outside the centre door. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate from the airport with designated pickup zones on the outer curb of Level 1.
Rental Cars
Car rental counters are located in the Parkade (P1), directly across the street from the terminal building. On-site companies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National/Alamo. Vehicles are picked up and returned at this location.
Public Transportation
OC Transpo provides public bus service. Route 97 offers frequent service from the airport to downtown Ottawa and connects to the O-Train's Confederation Line at Hurdman Station. The bus stop is on Level 1 (Arrivals) at pillar 14. Fares can be paid with a PRESTO card, credit/debit card tap, or exact cash.
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